Bill > S3616

This bill requires a broader range of licensed health care professionals (including physicians, physician assistants, certified nurses, and midwives) who provide prenatal care to assess pregnant persons for potential lead exposure risks, based on the most recent guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. If a risk assessment identifies potential lead exposure, the health care professional should perform or refer for a lead screening test, which measures a person's blood lead level. If laboratory results indicate an elevated blood lead level, the health care professional must notify the patient in writing, explain the significance of lead poisoning in plain language, and ensure that any children or household members under six are screened for lead exposure. The bill also mandates that laboratories report test results to the state and local health departments within five business days, and requires all lead screening records to be included in a confidential central database maintained by the Department of Health. Patients can opt out of testing in writing, and statistical reports will be made available without revealing personal identifying information. The bill will take effect on the first day of the third month following its enactment.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S3616